New Year’s Resolutions for Writers: Setting Goals That Actually Stick

Make resolutions that are realistic

Every January, writers everywhere crack open a fresh notebook or a blank document filled with hope, ambition, and—if we’re honest—a little pressure. This will be the year you finally finish the novel, submit your work, or build a consistent writing habit. And yet, by February, many resolutions quietly fade away.

The problem isn’t that writers lack discipline or passion. It’s that traditional New Year’s resolutions often don’t work well for creative people. Writing is unpredictable, emotional, and deeply human. So instead of pipe dreams or unrealistic word counts, this year’s resolutions should support your creativity rather than fight it.

Here are some resolutions that focus on progress, not perfection.

1. Resolve to Write Consistently, Not Constantly

Instead of committing to “write every day for two hours,” try setting a goal you can realistically maintain. Consistency matters more than intensity.

That might look like:

Writing 300 words, three times a week
Sitting down for 20 minutes, no pressure to produce “good” work
Keeping a regular writing window, even if some days nothing flows

A sustainable habit builds confidence—and confidence builds momentum.

2. Separate Writing from Editing

One of the fastest ways to stall your progress is to edit while you write. This year, resolve to let your first drafts be messy.

Give yourself permission to:

Write clunky sentences
Leave gaps to fill in later
Finish drafts that aren’t “ready”

First drafts exist to be written, not judged. Editing is a separate skill—and it deserves its own time and attention.

3. Define Success on Your Own Terms

Publishing deals, social media metrics, and comparison culture can distort what “success” looks like. This year, decide what success means to you.

Maybe success is:

Finishing a personal essay you’ve been avoiding
Submitting your work for the first time
Rediscovering joy in writing again

When you define your own benchmarks, your goals become motivating instead of discouraging.

4. Make Reading Part of Your Writing Life

Good writers are attentive readers. Reading widely and intentionally feeds your craft in ways nothing else can.

Resolve to:

Read outside your usual genre
Revisit books you love as a writer, not just a reader
Pay attention to sentence structure, pacing, and voice

Reading isn’t procrastination—it’s professional development (so let that TBR pile grow!).

5. Embrace Small, Unfinished Wins

Writers often believe that only finished books or published pieces count. In reality, small steps add up to big breakthroughs.

Celebrate:

Outlining a chapter
Revising a paragraph or poem until it finally clicks
Showing up to write, even on hard days

Progress is cumulative, even when it feels invisible.

6. Build a Support System (Even a Small One)

Writing doesn’t have to be lonely. This year, resolve to connect—even modestly—with other writers.

That might mean:

Joining a writing group or online community
Sharing drafts with one trusted reader
Talking openly about writing struggles instead of hiding them

Creative work thrives in environments of encouragement and accountability.

7. Let Go of Guilt

Perhaps the most important resolution of all: release the guilt around how, when, or how much you write.

Life changes. Energy fluctuates. Some seasons are quieter than others—and that’s okay. Writing is not a moral obligation; it’s a practice you return to again and again.

Resolve to meet yourself where you are.

A Final Thought

The best writing resolutions aren’t about transformation overnight; they’re about creating conditions where your voice can show up more often.

So be gentle. Be realistic. And above all, keep writing.

Ready to kickstart your path to success? Here are some publishers who are currently accepting submissions:

January 5: Daikaijuzine is open to speculative content in fiction and poetry.

January 7: Only Poems is open to poems about about beginnings.

January 15: Georgia Review‘s Prose Prize accepts short stories and essays.

January 31: Rappahannock Review is open for multiple genres.

January 31: The Paris Review is accepting poetry submissions.

Opening soon: Months to Years will open on January 15 for previously unpublished nonfiction (including essay, memoir, and creative nonfiction) of up to 2,500 words that explore mortality, death, and dying-related topics.